History

The decision to take A-level history was easy. After studying with Mr Seston in year 11, he helped me discover I had an aptitude for the subject which was pursued further at a higher level in Sixth form. I believe that without the enthusiasm and passion Mr Seston teaches with, I would not have enjoyed the course to anywhere near the same extent. The two years spent in his classroom will stay with me my whole life. Not only did I learn a great deal about fascinating periods in history, I also learned skills that I apply to any situation I find myself in. The history department at Tettenhall College is one of the main reasons I chose to attend the Sixth form as I found it vastly superior to any other course taught in schools around the country.

It is difficult to escape the importance of History in shaping and affecting our modern world. We are living with the consequences of the past every day. Employers and Universities rate History as a very worthwhile A Level. Universities and Employers appreciate that students of History have developed a number of skills that can be applied to any situation.

History is an interesting and enjoyable way to develop analytical and communication skills. History is a suitable background for a wide range of careers including Advertising, Archaeology, Historian, Journalism, Legal, Marketing, Media, Professional, Police, Politics, Research, and Teaching. Some of our pupils plan to study sciences, particularly medicine, at university and opt for History as they recognise the importance of being able to prepare good essays at degree level. Staff and pupils work hard to achieve consistently great results, and many of our students have gone on to study History at highly reputable universities.

Pupils in year 7 learn about the key turning points of medieval history. The topics that they will explore are England pre 1066, followed by the Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings. Pupils will then investigate Norman England, the murder of Thomas Becket, the Black Death and the Crusades.

Pupils in year 8 learn about the late Middle Ages and Early Modern periods. The topics they will explore are the Tudors, the Stuarts and the Victorian age. Within the Victorian module pupils will conduct an in depth study into the slave trade.

Pupils in year 9 learn about the Twentieth Century. The main areas of exploration are pre-World War One, World War One, the Interwar Years, World War Two, the Cold War and the Age of Terror- post 2001.

There are many trips and opportunities that pupils will gain whilst studying history.

Year 7 – Stokesay Castle Iron Bridge

Year 8 – Harvington Hall Liverpool docks

Year 9 National Holocaust centre

Key Stage 3 often have the opportunity to a residential trip In the past pupils have travelled to France and Belgium to visit the WWI battlefields. They have also been to Italy to explore Pompeii and the surrounding area.

GCSE pupils have the chance to visit the Cosford Cold War Museum, a local castle - normally Kenilworth and a local English civil war attraction.

A level pupils have the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz Birkenau camp in Poland. They also will explore local museums and archives.